Chapter 174

The place where only those who achieve true enlightenment and transcendence may arrive.

The concepts of shedding mortal limits (脫殼) and surpassing the mundane (超越) originated here.

To "shed one's shell" means to cast off human limitations, while transcendence signifies breaking free from the binding chains of causality to become a true god.

「To think I’d see this place with my own eyes.」

Lodbrok’s ethereal form materialized next to Theo. The dragon spirit reached out to touch the massive iron gate that loomed before them.

“Lodbrok.”

「Have you finally regained your senses?」

Lodbrok’s face bore an unmistakable expression of annoyance as he glanced back at Theo.

He must have been looking for me the whole time I was consumed by the curse.

Even amidst the darkness, Theo had heard Lodbrok’s voice, along with the cries of the spirits bound to the Spirit Crypt Sword, trying desperately to bring him back to his senses.

At the time, Theo’s paranoia had convinced him that those voices sought to harm him, so he ignored them.

Now that his mind was clear, regret gnawed at him.

“I must have caused you a lot of concern. I’m sorry.”

「Hmph! Do you have any idea how close I came to being consumed by the curse because of you…? Hah!」

Lodbrok didn’t seem inclined to forgive Theo so easily.

With their minds linked through channeling, any severe mental trauma one experienced would inevitably affect the other.

Considering Lodbrok’s current focus on recovery, Theo realized the risk his recklessness had posed.

“...How about a whole box of mint chocolate ice cream?”

Twitch!

Lodbrok’s ears perked up involuntarily.

「Ahem! Are you trying to placate me with mere food?」

Though Lodbrok turned his head away in feigned irritation, Theo had caught the telltale flicker of interest.

Seriously? He’s that obsessed with mint chocolate?

“Of course not. I’m only hoping to ease your anger. How about I add mint chocolate lattes to the deal? I’ll make sure you have them every day for a month once we return to Winterer.”

「...Lattes?」

“Don’t you know? It’s coffee mixed with mint chocolate. Quite the trend in Winterer these days.”

「Ho! Humans are truly ingenious creatures. To think of such a brilliant idea!」

Although Theo personally found the idea of "toothpaste-flavored coffee" appalling, he wasn’t about to argue with someone’s taste.

「Very well. Your consideration is commendable. I shall forgive you this once.」

As Lodbrok finally nodded, the spirits of the Spirit Crypt Sword emerged, their expressions exasperated as they observed the exchange.

"You might be the only person in existence who could pacify a dragon with such ridiculous offers."

"Hey! What about us? We suffered too!"

"Exactly! You owe us for all the trouble!"

“But I’m giving you a front-row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime sight, aren’t I? When else would you get to see something like this?”

"Fair point, but still..."

"You’re brushing it off again, huh?"

"You’re getting slyer by the day, I swear."

Despite their grumbling, the spirits couldn’t hide their awe as they turned their attention to the massive gate.

The entrance to the Pantheon.

Legends and myths spoke of its existence, but seeing it in person was another matter entirely.

“Let’s open it.”

Theo stepped forward, placing his hand on the gate.

If the stories were true and their ancestor Sigurd had truly ascended to the Pantheon, perhaps they would finally meet.

Just as Theo was about to exert force—

BOOM!

A deafening thunderclap split the heavens, shaking the ground beneath them.

Theo, Lodbrok, and the spirits all instinctively turned their gazes upward.

A black storm surged toward them, bringing with it ferocious winds, lightning, and torrential rain.

No… that’s not a storm.

As the dark mass drew closer, Theo realized it was not a cloud but a writhing mass of monsters.

"What… what is that?!"

"Are those creatures of the Abyss? But their presence… it’s too overwhelming!"

"Could it be similar to the ?"

The grotesque amalgamation of hundreds of monstrous forms twisted and convulsed. Severed limbs jutted out at odd angles, and its oozing muscles spilled brains and blood.

Its malformed eyes rolled wildly before locking onto Theo.

This… isn’t quite like the . It’s similar, but… not the same.

Using [Hatchling Synchronization], Theo analyzed the entity.

It lacked coherent thought or purpose.

Unlike the , who possessed intellect and will, this creature was driven purely by impulse—a mindless beast.

"Prepare yourselves!"

Theo summoned three swords into the air, drawing the Blade of Drake.

The spirits braced themselves for battle, some already suggesting they activate the Chronograph.

「No. We don’t need to intervene.」

Lodbrok’s calm voice drew their attention.

Overhead, countless streaks of golden light pierced the sky—celestial warriors adorned with radiant halos.

“The gods…”

The beings Theo had only ever encountered through messages now descended in their full splendor.

Each exuded an aura so vast and complete that Theo couldn’t even comprehend them.

This was perfection incarnate.

The clash was monumental.

Darkness against light.

The chaotic entity surged forth, only to be met by the Heavenly Army. The impact reverberated as though the world itself were being unmade and remade anew.

「Sigurd!!」

Lodbrok’s anguished cry shattered the moment.

Theo turned to see Lodbrok, overwhelmed with emotion, staring at the vanguard of the Heavenly Army—a man with black hair and red eyes, unmistakably of Ragnar bloodline.

Is that… our ancestor?

The spirits murmured in awe.

"So the legend was true… He ascended."

Lodbrok roared again.

「Answer me, Sigurd!」

Sigurd turned, his lips moving almost imperceptibly.

Lodbrok…

Theo read the words clearly.

"This is not your place yet."

Sigurd’s gaze then fell on Theo.

"Go back, my distant descendant. And…"

Sigurd gestured, his expression solemn.

"Bearer of Causality’s Blessing."

A gale erupted, hurling Theo and his companions back.

[You have been forcibly ejected from the Pantheon.]

Theo felt himself falling, his expanded awareness shrinking until it was just him once more.

[You have safely reached the 13th floor.]

[Congratulations! You have not only climbed the White Tower but also visited the Pantheon, completing Scenario Quest #7.]

[Evaluation: S+]

[Rewards: Ownership of the White Tower, an artifact of the Primordial Dragons. Additional details to be explained by the Guardian.]

[Bonus reward: Free access to Nirvana.]

As Theo steadied himself, Keratosukus, the Guardian, appeared with a faint smile.

「I never imagined you’d return after witnessing even the Outer Gods. The other Guardians held you in high regard for good reason.」

Keratosukus gestured to the gathering of Guardians, their expressions solemn, save for Magara, who still glared in disdain.

“Outer Gods?”

Keratosukus explained:

「Outer Gods are beings that come from beyond this world. They devour everything indiscriminately, unbound by our laws.」

“And the purpose of the Pantheon is…?”

「To contain them. That is why the Pantheon exists.」

Theo’s eyes widened in realization.

The creature they had faced was strikingly similar to the .

“What’s their connection?”

「The is but a vanguard, a fragment sent to infiltrate this world. To combat it, the Pantheon sends the Guardians.」

So… the battles between the Pantheon and Outer Gods were the true cause behind the resets of this world?

The puzzle pieces began to fall into place.

“What about Ragnar? What are we, then?”

「The bridge between worlds. And the ones tasked with protecting this one.」

Keratosukus’s smile deepened.